Monday, 29th January 2007 (3836 views)

Stocks of the Welsh gold used for Royal wedding rings could be running out, according to the managing director of Welsh Gold Plc Roland Phelps.

The 18-carot Welsh gold has been used to make wedding rings for Prince Charles and Camilla but long-term stocks of the gold are thought to be dwindling with just 200 grams left, reports Wales on Sunday.

Mr Phelps, who owns Gwynfynydd Mines Royal, near Dolgellau, explained that the last gold mine in Wales could stop production of the royal gold within weeks.

"We have not yet allocated the last gold but we are running extremely low in 18-carat. It could run out this week. I have a greater stock of nine-carat gold but that will last only a matter of months," explained Mr Phelps.

He added: "Welsh gold is extremely rare. I know examples of Welsh gold have already appeared on eBay and been sold for more than we would sell it for."

However, the Royal household does currently hold around a kilo of the gold, which could provide enough metal to make around 150 rings – more than enough if Prince William proposes to long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton.

 

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